IHOP in Cambridge's Harvard Square Has Closed

Another Boston-area location of a chain of pancake houses has shut down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, IHOP in the Harvard Square section of Cambridge has closed after being in business for approximately 20 years, joining another location in Quincy that shuttered a couple of years ago though it appears that that one will eventually reopen in a new, nearby location. A number of locations of the chain still remain in the Greater Boston area, including in Braintree, Brighton, Brockton, Dedham, Framingham, Norwood, Revere, Salem, Saugus, and Tewksbury.

The address for the now-closed IHOP in Harvard Square was 16 Eliot Street, Cambridge, MA 02138. The website for the chain is at https://restaurants.ihop.com/

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Dear Annie in Cambridge Is Closing, Will Become an Events Space

An award-winning restaurant and wine bar is closing, though the business will continue on in another form.

According to a message sent to us from Leah Klein of City Living Boston, Dear Annie in Cambridge is saying farewell, with an Instagram post from Lauren Friel of the Massachusetts Avenue place saying the following:

Dear Annie's final evening in regular service will be on July 31st. Dear Annie as we know her--in both name and being--will cease to exist. Instead, we will be dedicating our space, time, and energy to bespoke events (include private events) devoted to the beauty and craft of exceptional wine and hospitality. We will close for the month of August  and plan to re-emerge in September.

The note goes on to cite the trend of Friel's favorite food businesses around the world closing and the proliferation of steakhouses and luxury chains opening in the Boston area, with Friel saying that "I've seen multiple articles declaring that food's golden era is at its end....This current trend is not why I devoted the past 25 years of my life to this industry. The writing is on the wall for many of us..."

Dear Annie first opened in late 2021, receiving much praise over the past few years including from Boston Magazine, Bon Appetit, the New York Times, and Wine Enthusiast. Lauren Friel and the team behind it also run Rebel Rebel, a wine bar in the Union Square section of Somerville.

The address for Dear Annie is 1741 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02140. Its website can be found at https://www.dearanniebar.com/

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Clover Closes Harvard Square, Newtonville Locations; Zimmer Hall/Harvard Science Center Location Remains Open

Several weeks ago, it was reported that a local restaurant chain featuring vegetarian fare was ceasing operations only to have the business being saved at the last minute. Now we have learned that at least two outlets of the chain will not be returning to their spaces.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, brick-and-mortar locations of Clover in Cambridge's Harvard Square and Newtonville are shuttered with a "for lease" sign in the latter while a Harvard Crimson article states that the former is indeed closed while also saying that the nearby outlet in Zimmer Hall/Harvard Science Center remains open for business. As mentioned in an earlier article here, locations in Cambridge's Inman Square, Central Square, Kendall Square, Boston's Financial District, and the Prudential Center are back open along with the aforementioned Zimmer Hall/Harvard Science Center space, though it isn't yet known at this point  if any other locations that have not reopened will actually be reopening.

The website for Clover can be found at https://www.cloverfoodlab.com/

[Earlier Article]
Clover Is Returning; Boston and Cambridge Locations to Reopen June 9

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Beyond Full in Cambridge's Harvard Square Has Closed

What was once a pair of comfort food spots appears to have ceased operations, as its sole remaining location has shuttered.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Beyond Full on the eastern edge of Harvard Square in Cambridge is no longer in business, with a "for lease" sign shown in the window out front at the Massachusetts Avenue storefront. The restaurant first opened late last summer in the former Zoe's space, joining its original location in Hopedale (which is also closed), and it featured such options as breakfast dishes, burgers, and shakes.

The address for the now-closed location of Beyond Full in Harvard Square was 1105 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138.

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Tampopo in Cambridge's Porter Square Closes Today

Earlier this year, it was reported that a decades-old Japanese restaurant in Cambridge would be shutting down, and it has been confirmed that today will indeed be its final day.

According to its website, Tampopo within the Lesley Building/Porter Exchange in the city's Porter Square area closes at the end of business hours today as the owner is retiring, with a note on the site saying that they will be doing dine-in and walk-up takeout orders only (takeout orders by phone will not be taken). The eatery first opened in the building in 1992 and was once being part of a bustling food court, with the dining spot offering such options as tempura, donburi, katsu don, noodle soups, and curry.

The address for Tampopo is 1815 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02140. Its website is at https://www.tampopocambridge.com/

[Earlier Article]
Tampopo in Cambridge's Porter Square Plans to Close Down in June

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Urban Hearth Opens in New Space in Cambridge's Inman Square

Last fall, it was reported that an award-winning farm-to-table restaurant in Cambridge was making plans to move into a new space, and now we have learned that it is up and running in its new location.

According to its website, Urban Hearth is now open in the former Turing Tavern space on Cambridge Street in Inman Square, with Chef/Owner Erin Miller moving it from its former space on Massachusetts Avenue in North Cambridge. As mentioned in an earlier article here, the new space includes table seating in the dining room, a chef's counter with additional seating, and a full-service bar and "salon" with seating as well, with the chef's counter featuring a multi-course tasting menu while an à la carte menu is offered for patrons in the dining room, bar, and salon.

Boston Magazine mentions that the former Urban Hearth space will be used for private events this summer before opening up around October as a new and more casual restaurant that looks to be a contemporary American bistro.

Since opening in 2016, Urban Hearth has won multiple Best of Boston awards in Boston Magazine, while Miller was recently named a 2025 finalist for the James Beard Foundation's Best Chef, Northeast award.

The new address for Urban Hearth is 1281 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139. The website for the restaurant can be found at https://www.urbanhearth.net/

[Earlier Article]
Urban Hearth in North Cambridge to Move to New Space in Inman Square

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Scull & Keel Fish House and Spirits Opens in Cambridge

A new seafood spot has come to Cambridge, replacing a longtime dining and drinking place within a riverside hotel.

According to an article from Boston Magazine, Scull & Keel Fish House and Spirits is now open within the Royal Sonesta, moving into the space where ArtBar had been. The post says that the new restaurant offers such options as shrimp po' boys, Atlantic crab cake sandwiches, lobster dinners for two, and hot and cold seafood towers, while its menu also shows such dishes as clam dip, shrimp scampi flatbread, a fried hake sandwich, grilled oysters, fish and chips, and more.

ArtBar first opened at the Royal Sonesta about 20 years ago.

The address for Scull & Keel Fish House and Spirits (and the Royal Sonesta) is 40 Edwin H Land Boulevard, Cambridge, MA, 02142. Its website can be found at https://scullandkeel.com/

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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S&S Deli in Cambridge Has Closed

Early last month, it was reported that one of the oldest--and best-known restaurants--in Cambridge was closing, and the dining spot has now officially served its final meal.

According to its website, S&S Deli in Inman Square is now closed, confirming what had been heard earlier that its last day in operation was June 7. The owners of the Cambridge Street restaurant, which first opened in 1919, are planning to retire, and as mentioned in an earlier article here, it is possible that a new dining place could be coming to the space at some point, though it doesn't appear that anything has been confirmed as of yet. 

S&S Deli was known for such items as cheese blintzes, corned beef and pastrami sandwiches, potato pancakes, chopped liver, knockwurst, and more.

The address for the now-closed S&S Deli was 1334 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139.

[Earlier Article]
S&S Deli in Cambridge's Inman Square Is Closing

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Lulu Green Opens in Cambridge's Kendall Square

A South Boston dining spot known for its vegan fare has expanded to Cambridge.

According to a press release, Lulu Green is now open in Kendall Square, moving into a space on W Kendall Street just off Third Street on the northern edge of the square. The new location, which includes a large covered patio, joins another on W Broadway in Southie, being an all-day cafe that offers such options as pastries, coffee, and smoothies, along with lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, with beer, wine, cocktails, and mocktails also served.

The address for the new location of Lulu Green in Kendall Square is 675 W Kendall Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142. The website for the business is at https://www.lulugreen.com/

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Vida Coffee Opens in Cambridge

A brand new coffee shop with Chinese influences has opened in Cambridge.

According to a Bluesky post from @troysch1.bsky.social, Vida Coffee is now open on Broadway, moving into a space a few blocks west of Kendall Square in The Port neighborhood of the city. The new spot offers coffee, sandwiches, baked goods, and pastries, with its menu also including a few bun and bao options.

The address for Vida Coffee is 222 Broadway, Cambridge, MA, 02139. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/222vidacoffee/

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Alice & Monarch Open in Cambridge's Kendall Square

Earlier this year, it was reported that a dual-concept spot was planning to open in Cambridge, and now we have learned that both are up and running.

According to a press release, Alice & Monarch are now open in the city's Kendall Square area, moving into a space on Main Street next to the new Eastern Edge food hall. The release mentions that Alice is a Mediterranean and Italian taverna that is located upstairs, while Monarch is downstairs and is a lounge that offers cocktails and desserts, with Daniel Roughan of Source in Harvard Square being behind both places.

The address for Alice & Monarch in Kendall Square is 238 Main Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142. The website for both can be found at https://aliceandmonarch.com/

[Earlier Article]
Alice & Monarch Plans to Open in Cambridge's Kendall Square

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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S&S Deli in Cambridge's Inman Square Is Closing

It looks like one of the oldest restaurants in Cambridge is shutting down.

Based on information from a source from earlier this week, S&S Deli in Inman Square is closing, with a Boston Globe article confirming that the Cambridge Street eatery is indeed shutting down in June. In the article, co-owner Gary Mitchell says that "I'm proud of the chapters behind us and looking forward to what's next," while noting that it "has been in my family for 107 years....I understand people may love S&S. It's time to make time for other restaurants, and other things are coming." A message sent to us from Mitchell on Tuesday simply said "Stay tuned!" when asked about the status of the place.

S&S Deli first opened in 1919, being known for its classic deli fare including potato pancakes, corned beef and pastrami sandwiches, chopped liver, cheese blintzes, knockwurst, and more.

The address for S&S Deli is 1334 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139. Its website can be found at http://www.sandsrestaurant.com/

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Wu Li Xiang - Shanghai Kitchen to Open in Cambridge's Central Square

It looks like a new restaurant featuring Chinese fare is on its way to Cambridge.

According to a Bluesky post from troysch1.bsky.social, Wu Li Xiang - Shanghai Kitchen is planning to open soon on Massachusetts Avenue in Central Square, with a sign out front indicating that it may be featuring soup dumplings. A Cambridge License Commission page mentions that the upcoming dining spot plans to have an inside capacity of 36 and an outside capacity of 24 and with the proposed manager being Yumei Yu, and it looks to be open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. No specific opening date has been given as of yet, nor has a menu been seen, so keep checking back for updates.

The address for the upcoming Wu Li Xiang - Shanghai Kitchen is 411 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139.

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Jafra Cafe & Lounge to Open in Cambridge's Inman Square

A brand new Middle Eastern spot is on its way to Cambridge.

According to a Bluesky message from troysch1.bsky.social, Jafra Cafe & Lounge is getting ready to open in the city's Inman Square neighborhood, moving into a space on Hampshire Street a couple of blocks south of the Cambridge Street intersection. The Instagram page for the business indicates that it will be a Middle Eastern cafe and hookah lounge and that it will have gluten-free, vegan, and halal options with a photo showing what appears to be falafel, hummus, and pita.

The address for the upcoming Jafra Cafe & Lounge in Inman Square is 187 Hampshire Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139. Its Instagram page is at https://www.instagram.com/jafracafelounge/

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Nagomi Bento Expands, Opening a New Location in Cambridge

A Somerville dining spot that is known for its bento boxes has expanded to Cambridge.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Nagomi Bento at Bow Market now has a storefront on Massachusetts Avenue between Porter Square and Harvard Square, with the new location offering bento boxes along with miso soup, fried chicken, fried tofu, sushi, coffee, and tea. The business was established in 2022, initially as popups at farmers' markets and local events.

The address for the new location of Nagomi Bento is 1670 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138. The website for the business can be found at https://nagomibento.com/

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Càphê Collective Opens in Cambridge's Central Square

A brand new cafe has come to Cambridge, and it is attached to a cultural community space.

According to a Bluesky post from @troysch1.bsky.social, Càphê Collective is now open in Central Square, residing at the Street Theory Collective on Massachusetts Avenue. It looks like the new spot offers coffee, tea, pastries, and baked goods, though it only has a limited presence online at this point in time so exact details have not been given as of yet.

Street Theory Collective features art and music while also having space for events.

The address for Càphê Collective is 541 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/caphecollective/

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Mister Q. Cafe in Charlestown Is Expanding, Opening a New Location in Cambridge

A cafe in Charlestown is going to be expanding to a second location, and this one will be in Cambridge.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Mister Q. Cafe is planning to open on Western Avenue and it currently has a "coming soon" sign out front, with What Now Boston mentioning that it might have both indoor and outdoor seating. Based on the Main Street location in Charlestown, the new Cambridge location could have breakfast items, baked goods, pastries, soups, salads, and sandwiches. No opening date has been given as of yet, so stay tuned for updates as they come in.

The address for the upcoming location of Mister Q. Cafe in Charlestown is 150 Western Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139. The website for the Charlestown location is at https://www.charlestownqcafe.com/

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Sumi House Opens in the Former Fupo Cafe Space in Cambridge's Huron Village

A couple of months ago, it was reported that a Cambridge restaurant known in part for its Asian Fusion fare and its Chinese-American dishes had closed, and now we have learned that a new dining spot has taken over its space.

Based on information sent to us from Leah Klein of City Living Boston, Sumi House is now open in Huron Village, moving into the former Fupo Cafe space on Huron Avenue. The new eatery focuses on Japanese fare, with its menu including such options as shumai, gyoza, soups, salads, sushi, ramen, udon, poke bowls, and tempura ice cream.

The address for Sumi House is 359 Huron Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138. Its website can be found at https://sumihouse.online/

[Earlier Article]
Fupo Cafe in Cambridge's Huron Village Has Closed

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Tampopo in Cambridge's Porter Square Plans to Close Down in June

A decades-old Japanese restaurant in Cambridge is closing down.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page (via a Cambridge Day article), Tampopo within the Lesley Building/Porter Exchange in the city's Porter Square area is shuttering in June after residing within the building since 1992 and once being part of a bustling food court. The eatery has been known for such options as tempura, donburi, katsu don, noodle soups, and curry over the years.

The website for Tampopo says "This journey has been made possible entirely through your warm support and continued patronage, for which we are deeply grateful....Serving this neighborhood has been the honor of a lifetime. We hope you'll stop by over the next six months so we can thank you in person."

The address for Tampopo is 1815 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02140. Its website can be found at https://www.tampopocambridge.com/

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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212 Kitchen Opens in Cambridge

A brand new Asian restaurant has come to Cambridge.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, 212 Kitchen is now open in the Riverside neighborhood of the city, moving into a space on Western Avenue. The menu for the new dining spot mentions that it offers "authentic Chinese cuisine," including such items as handmade dumplings, steamed buns, fried pies, noodles and porridge, stone pot noodle soups, fried rice, grilled seafood, and more.

212 Kitchen had been in the works for at least 4 to 5 years until finally opening over the past couple of weeks or so.

The address for 212 Kitchen is 212 Western Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139.

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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